Back in 2016 as I signed the contract for My Music Man, I knew my writing needed practice, and I imagined it was time to get myself out into cyberspace. Yes, it was time to graduate from my private journal of yesteryear into something else. Why not a blog? I didn't take this on lightly. … Continue reading My art of blogging
Memories
Dear Dad, I have news
It is true. I need to tell Dad my news, even though I'm nearly 61. Next best was telling my brothers - they get it. There was something about work-related successes and challenges that our dad keenly understood. Not that Mom didn't, but it always felt different with Dad. Much of my life I had … Continue reading Dear Dad, I have news
From Northeast to West, now and then
The Lausanne Last week I traveled from Portland to Boston enjoying the speed of 2022 travel, even though we may sometimes complain about security check lines, COVID concerns and lack of legroom. During this eleven-day journey to the Northeastern U.S., part vacation and part work, it has been impossible for me not to think about … Continue reading From Northeast to West, now and then
Dirtying our hands, feeding our souls
First thing this morning I went outside and cut the remaining zinnia blossoms from one of our flower pots. I felt a sense of completion as I cut off large swaths, stripped off the lower drying leaves, and arranged the stems in a vase. Orange, pink, purple. Yes, I too felt a bit of sadness … Continue reading Dirtying our hands, feeding our souls
Irish Spring
Its scent weakened by passing timeMy nose snuggles next to its eroded cakeNot like beforeWhen powerful spice cartwheeled out of a newly opened packageStockpiled for days that never cameEight years murmuring manly man perfumeSneaking out, now fading into wisps of memoryWhispers not shouts.Whispers like those memories I seek to capture from before Pain eased into … Continue reading Irish Spring
Can she make a cherry pie Billy Boy and other brain chatter
For years I have attested to never experiencing writer’s block. I should know better than to tempt the old adage: never say never! For the last few months, although I have had bits of success writing a blog here or there, I have experienced a profound writing block. This in itself has had an adverse … Continue reading Can she make a cherry pie Billy Boy and other brain chatter
Coming of age on two wheels
Cinque Terra, Italy, 1983. I'm going to deviate a bit from my normal pondering. As I do, I recognize how infrequently I write about a joyous memory without its accompanying tie to grief. And while processing grief and sorrow in my writing is part of what has been powerful for me, I too have other … Continue reading Coming of age on two wheels
One teacher: the power of one
Life's serendipitous moments stun me. This in itself is a bit surprising since moments like these show up frequently in my books and blogs. This week was no different. I had already begun this blog earlier in the week after receiving a card from my fourth grade teacher (Diane). That's the way I often write: … Continue reading One teacher: the power of one
Loneliness, friends and social support
Yes, often I identify content spillover between my job and my writing life. This week was no exception. Early Tuesday I taught a class virtually, spending time reminding the participants how powerful social support is on our quest to worker well-being. A few hours later the topic reappeared in a "journaling for well-being" workshop I … Continue reading Loneliness, friends and social support
Oh Yellowstone
The last road trip Russ and I took my parents on was to Yellowstone National Park. We sandwiched the park visit between attending our daughter's college commencement in Missoula, and a shorter "drive through" visit to Teton National Park. We then dropped my parents at Jackson airport, a final flight for the two of them … Continue reading Oh Yellowstone
Dede's Books and blog 